This is a detailed article about Instacart careers. You will learn everything you need to know from the Instacart job application process to the benefits you will enjoy as a worker. So, if you are someone looking forward to applying, then keep on reading this article.
But before moving further with the article, let us give you all a quick overview of Instacart.
Instacart Overview
Instacart is an American delivery service company that delivers groceries. It operates in the United States and Canada. The company offers delivery and pick-up services through a mobile app or website The company was founded by Apoorva Mehta, Max Mullen, Brandon Leonardo in June 2012.
This side hustle became super popular during the height of covid during the beginning of March and April in 2020.
How does Instacart work?
Instacart is a platform where you go out and shop for people for their groceries. So, if somebody places an order on Instacart for the groceries, you the driver, will go pick those groceries and deliver them to the person that ordered them for money.
The hiring process is pretty easy, to be honest. But they are going to be looking at your background. So they are going to pull a background check and driving record on you.
What is the Job Application process of Instacart?
The application process is basically you sign up for the Instacart account on the app. The entire process is of course online. Below is the step-by-step detailed guide for you to create the profile. The steps might look difficult and lengthy, but just follow along, it is very straightforward.
Step by step guide to set up an account
Step 1. Go to the Instacart drivers’ website. This is where you can apply and create a profile. You will see a pop-up window that says sign up to shop and earn. So, you will be required to give the details they have asked for when signing up.
Step 2. Then it will prompt you to go to your cell phone to download the shopper app. They will ask for your contact number so that they can send you the link for downloading the app.
Step 3. Once you have entered the phone number and clicked on text me, they will send you the message with the link to download the app. By clicking the link, it will take you to the app store to download it.
Step 4. After downloading the app, log in with your phone number to receive a code. Then it will show you the eligibility criteria, if you meet all of them click on “I meet these requirements.”
Step 6. Select the role that you want to apply for from “Shop Only” or “Shop and Drive” based on your preference.
Step 7. (Only if you choose to shop and drive) You will be required to verify if you have your own car. Then you will have to verify and scan your identity and take a selfie. You have to take a photo of the front and back of your license.
Step 8. Once the license is verified by comparing your license and selfie, then you will be asked to confirm your shipping address. So, they can mail you your preloaded Instacart payment card that you will use to buy groceries.
Step 9. After confirming your shipping address, click on Save. You will have to wait for around a week to receive your card.
Then you will go through some paperwork to consent to your background check. Then they will ask you to link your bank account to get paid.
And once you receive the Instacart card, you can move to the next step which is optional. That is alcohol delivery certification where you will be trained on how to deliver alcohol through watching a video. And after that, your profile is actually ready to go!
What are the requirements for working as an Instacart delivery person?
1. Vehicle
The first thing you need to make sure of is that you have a vehicle available to use. It does not necessarily have to be your own but you should be allowed to use it.
2. Smartphone
Another thing you will need is a smartphone such as android or iOS. This is because you will have to run an app with an internet connection. Also because you will be scanning the barcodes on all of the packages that you buy.
3. Insulated bag
You should have a big insulated bag as well. It is not necessary to have them. But just make sure that you have big bags. So that you can fit all the items in your bag and not have to take several trips to the store.
4. Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds
You must be able to lift up to 40 pounds of weight. Because sometimes you might get a huge list of groceries to pick up. So you must be comfortable carrying that without dropping anything.
5. Age
You must be at least 18 years old to be eligible to create the Instacart profile.
6. Must be a US resident
You must be a US resident to be able to sign up for the Instacart profile. Since Instacart is not very popular so look for it if it is available in your area.
What different roles does Instacart have?
1. Shop Only
Shop Only means you only have to go and buy groceries. Then you give those groceries either to the customer who will go and pick them up or to a driver who will then go deliver them.
2. Shop and Drive
Shop and Drive mean that whenever you go buy the groceries and actually deliver them to the respective customer.
How much do you get paid?
The base pay is anywhere between $5 to $10 for an hour excluding gas money.
The salary will depend on your active hours. Once you are done with your shift, the app will show you the number of hours you spent in total where it also includes your waiting time. And then there are your active hours where only your shopping and delivery time is included.
What are the benefits of working at Instacart?
1. Great side hustle
Instacart is a good option for you if you want to do it as a part-time job. Especially for students or single moms, it is great to make some extra money along with some of the main full-time jobs. So, if you want to generate some extra cash, go for Instacart.
2. No direct boss
Since you do everything on your phone from clocking in and clocking out, you are in full power over yourself. In other words, you do not have your direct boss who is telling you what to do and what not to. Most of us will love a job more if we do not have any sort of boss under whose orders we are supposed to work all the time.
3. Get to explore new places
If you are someone who loves to explore new places, Instacart will help you do that along with earning some cash. Or if you are new in the area, you will get a chance to get to know about random places near you. After doing it more for a certain period of time, you will end up knowing almost all the stores and places in your locality.
4. Great option if love driving
If you love driving a car or just want to practice driving more, there is no better option than doing Instacart. For some people, driving acts as a therapy where they get out of their busy schedule and drive to different places. And if you are that kind of person, then you can just take some time from your week and go out shopping for people while earning money.
5. Flexible
Another good thing about it is that you set your schedule and, you can just clock in and clock out through your app. So, you can choose to work anytime according to your availability. When having some free time on your hands and want to make some money, you can just clock in on your app and start getting orders. You can take orders while coming home from college or anything like that.
6. You get reimbursed
In case if you are sent to a location more than 10 miles or so, by mistake, you will be given $5 according to Instacart policy. Here, of course, not the customer but Instacart will pay you $5 for driving that far.
7. Easy to do
Since they do not need any kind of educational qualifications it is easy to get. Also, there is no such thing as a hiring process where you need to go through the tough interview process to start working. You just set up an Instacart account and you are ready to take orders. You just need to know how to drive and have a car.
Some key points to know before starting Instacart
1. You are not allowed to bring anyone with you
As per the Instacart policy, you cannot bring anyone with you like your friends, kids, etc when you are doing your duty. So, if you do not have a vehicle and someone is willing to give a ride in their vehicle, then it may not work. This is because of the privacy issues for the customers as well as safety issues for other people in your car.
2. You must buy bags rather than carts to carry items
You will either order your own bag or show the customers the proof that you have your own. Or you can order one through them. Some people like to use carts for carrying bulk items since it is easier to load them. But, it is always better to buy big insulated bags rather than a cart unless you are going to stick to them for a long time or you are sure that you can use the cart in your personal life as well.
3. You can start shopping even before you get your Instacart card
You will get an option to add Instacart’s digital card to apple pay for you to use to check out before receiving the physical Instacart card. This will be helpful for you if you want to start early since it takes around 5 to 7 days to get the mail.
4. Inconsistent hours
At Instacart, you can never be sure if you will get 8 hours to shift daily unless your locality is actively using Instacart. You have to look for hours prior to a week to make sure there are enough hours available for you. So, if you are looking forward to working full-time at Instacart you always have to keep an eye on the app to catch hours. Even though it is best known for a side hustle, there are a lot of people who are making using Instacart as their full-time income source.
5. Keep your phone charged
One of the biggest tips is to always keep your phone charged even before leaving. This is because all of the process to do the work is going to be through your phone. And you do not want it to die in the middle of making a delivery for someone.
Final Thoughts
Instacart is a great side hustle option where you can easily supplement your income. It will improve your customer service skills and definitely make you a pro in shopping for groceries. So, if you are looking forward to giving it a try then all the information is mentioned in the article. The application process might look confusing but is pretty easy as you follow along.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Instacart pay for the car gas?
No, it does not pay for the car gas.
2. Does Instacart do a background check?
Yes, they do a proper background check, as well as driving records, check.